Keep Your Rental (and Plans) for Summer Vacation in the Gulf Coast

If you have a vacation rental secured along the Gulf Coast region for this summer, don’t cancel it. Go, and enjoy the beaches and the area. According to  Vacation Rental Managers Association, the oil spill has not affected the shorelines of any member companies in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

“Travelers can be assured that our member companies report the coast is
clear – their beaches remain pristine, untouched and ready for visitors
along the Gulf Coast. Vacation rental managers in the area are very
optimistic, working hard to ensure travelers are well-informed about the situation, have confidence about their reservations and share a positive outlook for their vacations,” comments Alex Risser, the President of the Vacation Rental Managers Association and Discover Vacation Homes. “The preservation of guests’ vacation experiences is a top priority for us in the professional vacation rental hospitality industry – not only during times like this, but always.”

He adds that many companies are offering trip guarantees for both current and future trips, are posting daily photo and video updates to share the condition of beaches with guests, and many are using blogs, online reviews, Twitter and Facebook to communicate on an ongoing basis.

The latest reports from Gulf Coast region property management companies include…

• the beaches are clear in Galveston, and as of now, oil is not predicted to reach the coastline. Sand N’ Sea Properties is offering guests three options if the beaches are closed due to the spill: change reservations to a later date, cancel reservations for a full refund (including cancellation fee), or if the beach happens to closed during the stay, the unused portion of the vacation will be refunded.
• along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Sterling Resorts is extending a 100 Percent Clear Beach Booking Guarantee for all its vacation properties (as well as the ones in Northwest Florida). The guarantee is that if the beaches are closed due to the oil spill, Sterling Resorts will either refund guests’ money or rebook. You can also friend them on Facebook to keep up on the latest.
• Kaiser Realty, Inc., a vacation rental company along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, is posting daily videos for everyone to see the clear condition of the beaches. They are also providing the Kaiser Realty Guarantee & Promise that if any guest’s stay is affected by the oil spill, the reminder of their trip will be refunded. If necessary, they will also refund an entire trip, if requested. You can also connect with them on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter.
• Perdido Key (Fla.) Resort Management is updating guests on the current conditions of the island. As of now, the oil spill is not predicted to wash ashore. However, if it is affected, the management company will offer guests the opportunity to reschedule, a reduce rate for another time or a complete refund.
• Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals is also uploading daily video updates, showing potential guests that the beaches are clear. The Northwest Florida rental company has a Southern Pledge for guests who are vacationing with them and the beaches close because of affects of the oil spill, guests are refunded their money les $55.
• With rentals spanning from Mexico Beach to Cape San Blas and Indian Pass, Fla., Pristine Properties Vacation Rentals are keeping guests in the know with videos and live cam views. In the event that the oil washes ashore, the company will allow guests to rebook, move their reservation to another one of their properties that not affected by oil, or issue a full refund. If it happens while a guest is currently vacationing, they will be refunded for any unused portion. Keep up with them on Facebook as well.
• Collins Vacation Rentals, which handles properties on St. George Island, Fla., says there’s been no impact on this barrier island. In the event that oil does enter the shoreline, the rental company has a policy in place, as well as one if this happens during a guest stay. Friend them on Facebook for the latest news and updates.
• Island Real Estate, which manages rental properties on Anna Maria Island, Fla., will offer refunds in the event that the oil spill impacts their beaches. As of now the spill is not predicted to wash ashore. Keep current with new information, videos and photos as posted by the rental management company.
• Lahaina Island Accommodations in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., has developed a White Sand Guarantee that alerts guests that if the beaches do close because of the oil spill during their stay, they will receive a refund less a nominal reservation fee. Those with reservations can change to other dates without penalty, if necessary. They are also posting videos, as well as updates on the condition of the area.

photo credit: personal collection